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Miami Hurricanes QB race down to Jake Heaps and Brad Kaaya

By Andrew Coppens

Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2013; Tampa, FL, USA; Miami Hurricanes head coach Al Golden against the South Florida Bulls at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Miami Hurricanes expected starter Kevin Olsen was suspended for the season opener for a failed drug test, things were a bit unclear at the position. After all, not a single other quarterback on the roster had taken a snap for the Hurricanes, and they were also welcoming in a transfer student who couldn’t stick it out at two different schools.

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On Wednesday it appears that transfer, Jake Heaps, is one of two frontrunners to win the starting job that Olsen may or may not get right back upon his return. Heaps is joined by Brad Kaaya, a true freshman, in the race to be named the starter for the season opener.

Kaaya comes from Chaminade High School in California and was rated as the No. 7 pro-style quarterback in the class of 2014. He was also the No. 141-ranked player in the country according to the 247Sports composite rankings and was the No. 14-ranked player in the state of California.

After hearing that Olsen, the likely starter had it not been for his drug suspension, it was assumed the experience that Heaps offers at quarterback would win out over the inexperience but talent available from the rest of the players at the position.

During Wednesday’s scrimmage Heaps and Kaaya separated themselves from four other quarterbacks and will fight it out on Monday, during the team’s next scrimmage, for the right to start against Louisville to open the 2014 season.

However, it appears that the freshman is keeping pace with the senior transfer, with the Miami Herald telling us that both quarterbacks did nice things in Wednesday’s scrimmage.

“Heaps used many different weapons to get the Canes moving, completing five passes to five different receivers,’’ the report from Miami’s athletic department stated. “Kaaya had several impressive throws, including an 18-yard completion to Stacy Coley and a 27-yard strike to Clive Walford.’’

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